Bobcats Trip Up Magic in Southeast Play
The Charlotte Bobcats got out to a 21-3 lead early in the game against the Orlando Magic on Friday night on the strength of the hot outside shooting of former Magic player Josh McRoberts who scored eight points on his first three attempts and Gerald Henderson who made a living at the free throw line all evening. Al Jefferson took advantage of Nik Vucevic being out with a concussion. He scored 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as he owned the paint.
The Magic stormed back in the second quarter to take a one point lead into halftime. They were led by Arron Afflalo with 24 points while Jameer Nelson and Tobias Harris added 18 each. Without an inside presence, the Magic relied much too heavily on jump shots. Many of them rattled out and led to a lot of empty trips as the Bobcats controlled the glass. This also showed up at the foul line as Orlando was not able to draw contact and get to the stripe. Charlotte was 26-35 from the line while Orlando was 15-21.
Victor Oladipo scored 10 points in the second quarter as he sparked the Magic comeback. He then scored only one point in the second half. The Magic fell to 10-30 on the season including a season high 10 losses in a row. The Bobcats came into the game having lost nine of eleven but are now 17-24.
In other Southeast action, the Miami Heat snapped a season high three game skid when they hammered the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday 101-86. Miami was led by Lebron James with 21 points and 10 assists and Chris Bosh with 25 points. Tony Wroten led the Sixers with 13 points while Spencer Hawes had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Miami led 34-24 at the end of the first quarter and 58-41 at the half as they were never challenged in the game.
Philadelphia contribute to their demise with 10 turnovers and 1 of 13 shooting beyond the arc to start the game. They beat the heat early in the season 114-110 thanks in large part to getting out to a 19-0 lead. There would be no such start on Friday as the Heat raced out an an early 12 point lead.
Tonight the Heat will visit the Bobcats as both look to win on back to back nights.
Bovada has the odds on the game and other NBA Southeast action:
Miami at Charlotte– Heat is -6.5 and Bobcat are +6.5 ATS. Over/Under is 194 with over and under both -110. Charlotte looked impressive on Friday, especially early and at the end, two important parts of the game. But we like Miami to cover. Take the Heat -6.5 and the over -110.
Detroit at Washington– Wizards are -6 and Pistons are +6 ATS. O/U is 203 with over and under -110. Washington is stating to get it together. They are on a three game win streak. We like them to make it four tonight. Take the Wizards -6 and the under -110.
